Setting Up An Evaluation

Referrals

People with memory loss and other cognitive problems often do not recognize the significance of their problems. Therefore family members can also arrange for an evalulation. Referrals are accepted from physicians, mental health professionals, mental health agencies, and patients and their families.

Things to do before the first visit

• A questionnaire will be sent to you to complete and mail back to us. It is quite lengthy and you may need family members to help complete it.
• Current medical records should be sent to us from your primary care doctor and other doctors whom you have consulted about your memory concerns.
• If you have had a brain scan (MRI or CT) bring the actual films with you to your visit. Make arrangements with the radiology department where the scans were done. They may make copies for you to bring or may send the originials which will need to be returned.

The First Visit

Patients with memory problems are strongly encouraged to have family members accompany them. The Memory Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation of memory complaints which typically lasts 90 minutes which includes:

• History of current medical problems
• Medical history
• Neurological exam
• Brief test of memory and thinking abilities

Please bring the following items with you:

• insurance cards
• all medications you are currently taking including over-the-counter and nutritional supplements
• eyeglasses, hearing aides, or any other assistive devices you use
• dress casually for your appointment

At this visit, a series of other tests are ordered that are necessary to complete the evaluation. These include:

• Routine lab testing
• Blood testing for specific genes
• Neuropsychological evaluation - detailed testing of memory and other thinking abilities
• MRI, PET, or CT scan of the brain
• Click here for more information on these tests

Costs

Blood tests, brain scans and other tests are extra and billed seperately. Medicare and other forms of insurance usually cover the majority of the expenses. However, since insurance policies vary it is the patient's responsibility to contact their insurance company or employer with specific questions about what is or is not covered or if a referral is required.

Medicare Information

If you have not received the federal government's annual publication, "Medicare & You 2005", call toll-free 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or go to the Medicare web site at www.medicare.gov to obtain a copy. The site also offers a variey of information and publications such as "Introducing Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Cards", "Guide to Choosing a Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card, "2004 Guide To Health Insurance For People With Medicare", "Medicare & You 2005", and "Your Medicare Benefits".

Other Information

Coping with memory, cognitive, and behavioral changes is challenging for the patient and their families. The Memory Clinic provides information on local support groups, or other sources of support, etc. You may wish to consider participating in a study. Some studies involve testing of new medications or novel treatment approaches.